Most people ship a car once, which makes the industry an easy place to get taken. The scams are not sophisticated, and once you know the patterns they are easy to spot. Here are the red flags and what to do about each.
At a glance
| Red flag | What to do |
|---|---|
| Unrealistically low quote | Compare several reputable companies; a far-outlier quote is a warning. |
| Hidden broker fees | Insist on an itemized breakdown up front. |
| Dodging pricing questions | Ask what happens if no carrier accepts the quoted rate. |
| Deposit demands | Use brokers who charge nothing until dispatch. |
| Bad reviews | Read them before you book. |
| Aggressive brokers | Trust your instincts; desperation is a signal. |
| Unknown drivers | Never hand over keys without the carrier's name and contact info from your broker. |
| No credentials shown | Verify MC and USDOT numbers and insurance. |
Bait and switch
The most common scam. A very low quote wins the booking, then the real price appears after you have committed, leaving you to pay up or start over. Compare quotes from several reputable companies. One that is dramatically lower than the rest is the one to avoid.
Hidden broker fees
Brokers charge a fee; that is how they work. A legitimate company discloses it. If a company refuses to state its fee or claims it has none, it may be lowballing carriers, which leads to delays. Ask for a full breakdown: broker fee, carrier rate, and any surcharges.
Dodging questions
Ask every company what happens if they cannot find a carrier at the quoted price. If they say that never happens, they are not being straight with you. Other fees to ask about include fuel surcharges, terminal fees, insurance, and storage.
Deposit scams
Legitimate brokers collect nothing until the car is dispatched. A demand for a non-refundable deposit, or for payment by wire transfer, is a warning. Deposits run into the hundreds of dollars, and losing one puts you in the position of paying the inflated price or eating the loss.
Reviews
If reviews mention scams, walk away. Look for companies averaging 4.6 stars or better, with reviews that describe fair prices, good communication, and professional drivers.
Aggressive brokers
Follow-up is normal. A barrage of calls, texts, and emails is not, and it often means the broker is not busy shipping cars for anyone else. A good broker is attentive and professional, not desperate.
Unknown drivers
If a random driver calls claiming to be your pickup, do not hand over the keys until your broker has given you the carrier's company name and contact information. Be equally wary of a broker who stalls on sharing the carrier's details and then reports a breakdown.
Your rights and resolving disputes
You are entitled to accurate information about fees and timelines, updates on delays or damage, delivery on the agreed schedule, and the ability to complain when the contract is not honored. If something goes wrong, start with the company. If that fails, call your broker, who can usually resolve issues with the carrier. Beyond that, you can file a complaint with the FMCSA online or by phone, or consult an attorney if the loss is significant.
Credentials and insurance
Reputable companies display their USDOT and MC numbers. If a company will not show them, or does not publish its terms and conditions, treat it as a red flag. Ask your broker to confirm that the assigned carrier meets all regulatory requirements and is fully insured. The best brokers go further: they check crash history, track driver ratings, and keep internal performance databases. Companies like AmeriFreight and Sherpa Auto Transport are known for this kind of vetting.
Conclusion
Vigilance is most of the defense. Verify credentials, read reviews, compare quotes, and be suspicious of anything that seems too good. A reputable company will get your car where it is going in one piece.